속초 locals-only 토면 spot — The real taste of 100% buckwheat at 청대리막국수

A 토면 spot I stumbled upon during a trip to 설악산

After riding down the 설악산 권금성 케이블카, I was craving a hearty meal when my friend asked, "Have you ever had 토면?" I didn’t even know what 토면 was, so I looked it up and found there’s a place in 속초 that makes it with 100% pure buckwheat. I’d been looking for a real locals’ spot rather than a touristy restaurant, and it sounded exactly like what I wanted.

청대리막국수 sits in a residential area a bit away from downtown 속초, so at first I was like, "Is this really it?" But the place felt so homey, like my grandmother’s country house. From the entrance, it had that unpolished, real-deal eatery feel.

My ignorance about what 100% pure buckwheat really means

As soon as I walked in, the owner greeted me kindly and explained 토면. Most makguksu is made by mixing buckwheat with starch, but here they use only 100% pure buckwheat. That means the noodles can break easily, but you can truly taste the flavor and aroma of buckwheat.

The menu had 토면 (11,000원), 메밀막국수 (9,000원), 감자옹심이 (10,000원), and more, but of course I ordered their signature 토면. I was dining solo, but I was too curious about the 감자전 (10,000원), so I got that too.

So this is what 토면 tastes like

The kimchi that came out with the basic sides tasted like something a grandma would make. Nicely fermented with a refreshing tang and a satisfying crunch, and the pickled radish was clean and appetizing.

When the 토면 arrived, my first impression was, "Is this makguksu?" The noodles looked rougher and more rustic than usual. I was curious about what looked like bean sprouts on top, but the owner said they were buckwheat sprouts.

The owner kindly explained how to eat it: add soy sauce little by little—don’t pour too much at once—and do it in about eight additions. Vinegar, mustard, and sugar can be added to taste.

I learned the true taste of buckwheat for the first time

First, I tasted the noodles on their own before seasoning. Wow—so this is the flavor. The noodles do snap, but the more you chew, the more that nutty, toasty buckwheat flavor spreads in your mouth. There’s a slight dryness to it, but it felt like the genuine taste of buckwheat.

As I added soy sauce bit by bit, the flavor changed completely—mild yet deep. Eating it with seaweed and perilla powder made it even nuttier. Honestly, since I’m used to punchier flavors, it felt a bit plain at first, but as I ate, I realized this is truly a wholesome, well-being kind of food.

The 감자전 is crispy and delicious, too

The 감자전 came out perfectly crisp. The outside was crunchy while the inside kept that moist, tender potato texture. Since the 토면 is subtly seasoned, the crispy texture of the 감자전 was an especially nice contrast.

A true 속초 spot only locals know

While I was eating, I noticed more locals than tourists coming in. The grandpa at the next table proudly said, "The 토면 here is the best in 속초." It really felt like a hidden gem.

Maybe because it’s 100% pure buckwheat, I didn’t feel bloated afterward at all. I actually felt refreshed and light—like it digested really well.

Visiting tips and notes

Parking: There’s a parking lot right in front, which is convenient. There is some construction nearby, so it can feel a bit cluttered.

Hours: Daily 11:00–20:00 (last order 19:30). Closed on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month.

Recommended dishes: 토면 is a must. I also recommend pairing it with 감자전 or 감자옹심이. I heard the 수육 comes with 명태식혜, so I’m definitely trying that next time.

Note: 토면 may not be for everyone. If you’re used to bold flavors, it might feel plain at first. But if you want to experience the true taste of buckwheat, you should definitely give it a try!

Nearby places to check out

From 청대리막국수, it’s about a 15-minute drive to the 설악산 권금성 케이블카. It’s the perfect plan to tour 설악산, then come down for a hearty bowl of 토면. 영랑호 is nearby too, which makes for a nice walk after your meal.

Honest overall take

It was my first time trying 100% pure buckwheat 토면, and it was far more satisfying than I expected. It isn’t intensely seasoned, but the clean, nutty essence of buckwheat is truly appealing. Best of all, I felt light and refreshed afterward.

If you’re looking for the true taste of 속초 loved by locals rather than tourist hotspots, I highly recommend 청대리막국수. I’ll be back the next time I’m in 속초—this time I’m definitely trying the 수육!